skip to main content
UTRGV

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Main Menu
Donate Now Directory myUTRGV

You are here:

Recognition & Awards Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award Legacy ROTA Award winners

Office of Faculty Success & Diversity

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Faculty Success and Diversity Council
    • Contact Us
  • Programs & Trainings
    • Association of Colleges and University Educators (ACUE)
    • Faculty Travel Support Program
    • New Faculty Mentoring
    • New Faculty Onboarding
    • Mid-Career Faculty Research Development Program
  • Research Support and Grants
    • Faculty Seed Research Grants
  • Recognition & Awards
    • UTRGV Faculty Excellence Awards
    • Minnie Stevens Pipers Foundation
    • Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award
    • UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers
  • Faculty Resources
  • Faculty Development

Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award - Related Links

  • Program Description and Submission Requirements
  • UTRGV ROTA Award winners
  • Legacy ROTA Award winners

Contact Us

Office of Faculty Success and Diversity
Edinburg: ESSBL 5.101
Brownsville BLHSB 2.402
Email: facultysuccess@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 665-2111
Phone Alt: (956) 882-8978

Quick Links

Office of the Provost

UTPA & UTB/TSC Legacy Outstanding Teaching Award Winners

2015

Colin Charlton, Ph.D.

Department of English Studies
Read More

Colin Charlton, Ph.D.

Department of English Studies

Jose Gutierrez-Gonzalez, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry
Read More

Jose Gutierrez-Gonzalez, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry

Daniel Hunter-Holly, Ph.D.

School of Music
Read More

Daniel Hunter-Holly, Ph.D.

School of Music

Christine Reilly, Ph.D.

Department of Computer Science
Read More

Christine Reilly, Ph.D.

Department of Computer Science

Emmett Tomai, Ph.D.

Department of Computer Science
Read More

Emmett Tomai, Ph.D.

Department of Computer Science

Horacio Vasquez, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Read More

Horacio Vasquez, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Jorge Vidal, Ph.D.

Department of Economics and Finance
Read More

Jorge Vidal, Ph.D.

Department of Economics and Finance

2014

Diana V. Dominguez, Ph.D.

Department of English
Read More

Diana V. Dominguez, Ph.D.

Department of English

Laura M. Grabowski, Ph.D.

Department of Computer Science
Read More

Laura M. Grabowski, Ph.D.

Department of Computer Science

Ken A. Grant, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy
Read More

Ken A. Grant, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy

Sanjeev Kumar, Ph.D.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Read More

Sanjeev Kumar, Ph.D.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Javier Angel Kypuros, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Read More

Javier Angel Kypuros, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Virgil U. Pierce, Ph.D.

Department of Mathematics
Read More

Virgil U. Pierce, Ph.D.

Department of Mathematics

Russell K. Skowronek, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy & Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Read More

Russell K. Skowronek, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy & Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Alexander V. Stehn, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy
Read More

Alexander V. Stehn, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy

2013

Michael A. Abebe, Ph.D.

Department of Management
Associate Professor
Read More

Michael A. Abebe, Ph.D.

I strongly believe that, as educators, our roles as teachers and researchers are closely intertwined. Hence, an effective research program informs and invigorates the classroom experience. My teaching philosophy in general emphasizes relevance and critical thinking. I often customize my teaching approaches and techniques to the specific learning context. My teaching philosophy is strongly embedded on research-infused teaching. I believe that effective teachers not only convey new knowledge to their students but also help them discover their independent intellectual voice through critical thinking. I continue to strive to create an intellectually challenging, tolerant and relevant learning environment.
Department of Management
College of Business Administration
Associate Professor

Marci R. McMahon, Ph.D.

Department of English
Associate Professor
Read More

Marci R. McMahon, Ph.D.

In my literature courses, I guide students to explore the concept of positionality – that is, how their life experiences and characteristics, compared with those of others, shape their perspectives on and their actions in the world. In doing so, I hope to deepen my students' capacities for critical self-reflection, while also expand their abilities to bridge the theoretical and historical with the personal and the political. In order to achieve these aims within the literature classroom, I balance a traditional close reading approach to narrative with lessons and assignments that connect our literature to pertinent social issues of the day.
Department of English
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

Karen Lozano, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Professor and Julia Beecherl Endowed Chair
Read More

Karen Lozano, Ph.D.

I design my classes and research activities to provide students with opportunities to spark their imagination, curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills to engage them in their studies and guarantee their success. With these activities, students learn complex concepts, develop writing and presentation skills, face failure and solve problems, design a path for success and develop time management skills.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering & Computer Science
Professor and Julia Beecherl Endowed Chair

Maria Cristina Villalobos, Ph.D.

Department of Mathematics
Associate Professor and Founding Director, Center of Excellence in STEM Education
Read More

Maria Cristina Villalobos, Ph.D.

Challenging students and giving them the opportunities to explore and discover builds their confidence in the subject area. I try to unlock their fullest potential and mentor them in their academic and professional careers and guide those pursuing graduate studies. It is wonderful to see that light ignite when they understand and make connections.
Department of Mathematics
College of Science & Mathematics
Associate Professor and Founding Director, Center of Excellence in STEM Education

Gustavo G. Dietrich

Department of Computer Science
Lecturer
Read More

Gustavo G. Dietrich

I strive to be a compassionate educator that cares not only about the student's learning of the specific subject matter of the course but also about those aspects that will make them better human beings. I always tell my students "when I see you, I see my children" and that is how I treat them.
Department of Computer Science
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Lecturer

Dumitru Caruntu, Ph.D., P.E.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor
Read More

Dumitru Caruntu, Ph.D., P.E.

My strong belief is that teaching engineering has to be exciting and inspiring. Discovering new engineering challenges, problems and solutions is the main focus of instruction. Students have to get from their professors the enthusiasm and the tools for succeeding in their careers and becoming long-lasting engineering learners. It is amazing how they learn to be creative, yet very analytical in their approaches, and passionate, yet careful and rigorous in their conclusions. I always thought that if the students are excited about the material I teach and understand it, then they can perform and they like it.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering & Computer Science
Associate Professor

Cristina Ballatori, D.M.A.

Department of Music
Assistant Professor of Music
Read More

Cristina Ballatori, D.M.A.

As a musician and teacher, I am passionate about my work and strive to inspire and empower students to utilize the lessons that they have learned through their studies to become more engaged, productive citizens who will positively impact their communities and the world. My objective is not only to prepare students for their careers by improving their technical and practical skills, but also to actively engage them in their individual learning processes and to provide them the opportunities to develop the critical thinking, listening, problem-solving and communication skills needed to become independent and lifelong learners.
Department of Music
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE
Assistant Professor of Music

2012

Arturo Fuentes, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor
Read More

Arturo Fuentes, Ph.D.

To current and prospective engineering students, I demonstrate my passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter and my commitment to their academic and professional success. I strive to provide the best educational experience and to promote high standards by being a role model. My teaching efforts include designing and implementing effective student challenges that take place inside and outside the classroom. These motivate and engage students and provide formative feedback to help them achieve their full potential.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering & Computer Science
Associate Professor

Caroline Suzanne Miles, Ph.D.

Department of English
Associate Professor
Read More

Caroline Suzanne Miles, Ph.D.

In my students, I aim to cultivate intellectual curiosity, creativity and the desire for lifelong learning, instill the practical individual and collaborative skills necessary to be successful in the workforce, and encourage a sense of civic responsibility and ethical regard for others in regional, national and global contexts. I work to develop a dynamic curriculum that is relevant to my students’ lives and futures, that pushes them to think beyond their comfort zone, and that will ultimately contribute to stronger communities. At the same time, rather than adhering to a strict teaching philosophy, I constantly rethink and revise my approach to teaching through an ongoing dialogue with new pedagogies and technologies, my students and the environment in which I teach.
Department of English
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

Kamal Sarkar, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Lecturer
Read More

Kamal Sarkar, Ph.D.

In my mind, the duty of a teacher is to foster a passion for knowledge in students. Ultimately, students are our ambassadors. Their success is our success!
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering & Computer Science
Lecturer

Sonia Hernandez, Ph.D.

Department of History & Philosophy
Associate Professor
Read More

Sonia Hernandez, Ph.D.

If students acquire knowledge about their history, their family, and their communities they are able to make connections to their place in our nation; they will then realize that they have a responsibility to it. I strive to transform my students into practicing historians and my responsibility to them, the community, and to the profession of history is to help students see themselves as real historians who critically think about the past in ways that will enrich their present. In this way, history is meaningful, thought-provoking, and instills a passion for this type of problem solving in a compassionate, balanced and creative way.
Department of History & Philosophy
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

Emmy Pérez

Department of English
Associate Professor Close
Read More

Emmy Pérez

Exchanging and discussing work in a compassionate, rigorous creative writing workshop can be a form of gift-giving when participants rise to the challenge of excellence and innovation in their writing and criticism. Writing well in any genre is a powerful skill that leads to more opportunities in life and can help in the pursuit of social justice for our communities. When creative writing students lead service learning literacy projects in community and detention centers, they teach academic techniques in their service while improving their own writing as their audiences expand from the classroom into the community.
Department of English
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor Close

Aje-Ori Agbese, Ph.D.

Department of Communication
Associate Professor
Read More

Aje-Ori Agbese, Ph.D.

My teaching is based on one of my favorite sayings – “Don’t just pass through the university. Let the university pass through you.” Whether it’s writing news stories, preparing the front page of a newspaper or magazine, learning about culture or musing on the media’s influence, I want my students to gain the knowledge and skills that will help them appreciate diversity and be open to various experiences. I want them to be active and responsible participants in their education by taking part in activities and opportunities beyond the classroom so they can get a taste of "real world" situations and are better prepared to face whatever comes their way.
Department of Communication
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

2011

Linda Belau, Ph.D.

Department of English
Associate Professor
Read More

Linda Belau, Ph.D.

Since practical instruction and the passing on of positive knowledge can be taught directly, it is the primary purpose of teaching as I see it. The other side of education—the developing of open-minded learners—cannot be directly taught without simply indoctrinating one's students. To keep the classroom space open and democratic, this part of education must always remain the indirect result of teaching. Through commitment to diversity, creativity, flexibility, and responsibility in the classroom, I find that I can reach my students in a number of ways that attends to both direct and indirect modes of learning.
Department of English
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

Theron Francis, Ph.D.

Department of English
Lecturer
Read More

Theron Francis, Ph.D.

I believe in learning by doing. My students and I learn best by doing useful research that serves the communities we live in. An ethical purpose, which helps students think about local and global relationships, inspires our work. For me this is advocating for the environment that sustains us.
Department of English
College of Arts & Humanities
Lecturer

Irma S. Jones, Ed.D.

Department of Applied Business Technology
Professor
Read More

Irma S. Jones, Ed.D.

Students have always reminded me of plants - mix a little bit of water, nutrients, sunshine and attention and watch them blossom! Providing students with a mixture of communication, knowledge, time and attention has allowed me to witness the most magnificent blossoms imaginable! I love my profession; each day more than the last.
Department of Applied Business Technology
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE
Professor

Jeff Wilson, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Read More

Jeff Wilson, Ph.D.

"I believe that we have a responsibility to nurture the student's innate curiosity around asking the 'big questions' and then we must strive to create a classroom ethos conducive to building the critical thinking mindset that effectively addresses those big questions."
Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

2010

Elvia Ardalani, Ed.D.

Department of Modern Languages & Literatures
Associate Professor
Read More

Elvia Ardalani, Ed.D.

Department of Modern Languages & Literatures
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

Muhammad I. Bhatti, Ph.D.

Department of Physics and Geology
Professor of Physics
Read More

Muhammad I. Bhatti, Ph.D.

Department of Physics and Geology
College of Science & Mathematics
Professor of Physics

Kenneth L. Buckman, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy
Associate Professor
Read More

Kenneth L. Buckman, Ph.D.

Department of History and Philosophy
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

Jessica Lavariega Monforti, Ph.D.

Department of Political Science
Assistant Professor of Political Science, Senior Faculty Research Associate, Center for Survey Research
Read More

Jessica Lavariega Monforti, Ph.D.

I love teaching students about the things that will impact their lives — to talk to them about their rights and responsibilities as citizens and residents is powerful for me and for them.
Department of Political Science
College of Arts & Humanities
Assistant Professor of Political Science, Senior Faculty Research Associate, Center for Survey Research

Hassan Ahmad, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry
Professor
Read More

Hassan Ahmad, Ph.D.

Teaching and learning is a process in which often difficult and unfamiliar subject content is made more meaningful by effective communication. In biochemistry, providing everyday real-life examples makes learning much more meaningful and fun. In the classroom setting or with one-to-one teaching, I consider myself a facilitator of learning and often allow students to take the center stage. Listening to students’ comments and questions is something I consider essential in my teaching practice. I promote critical thinking and expect students to become skillful listeners. As an effective teacher, it is imperative that I maintain a welcoming atmosphere in the classroom by getting to know my students as individuals as well as a class.
Department of Chemistry
College of Science & Mathematics
Professor

Brian J. Warren, Ed.D.

Creative Drama and Children’s Theatre Specialist, Department of Communication
Lecturer
Read More

Brian J. Warren, Ed.D.

Through use of an energetic and genuinely devoted approach to leading students, I endeavor to constantly “sell” my subject matter while also exhibiting a personal stake in my discipline by my own professional involvement. This encourages active participation from the students, and I am never more gratified than when my students make practical, consistent and responsible application of the concepts learned in my courses.
Creative Drama and Children’s Theatre Specialist, Department of Communication
College of Arts & Humanities
Lecturer

Marvin G. Lovett, Ed.D.

Department of Business Administration
Professor
Read More

Marvin G. Lovett, Ed.D.

As I grew up on a farm in southern Iowa, I've always remembered my father, Grant, often quoting Will Rogers, a social commentator and entertainer well known during the early 1900's. One of Will Rogers's most famous lines, "I have never yet met a man that I didn't like". As I write about my teaching, I can honestly say that "I've never met a student I didn't like". Reflecting on one's role as an educator produces a great sense of pride. What an honor to be directly involved with a significant support mechanism for our society --Higher Education. The provision of an effective and efficient higher education provides a greater chance for upward socio-economic progress for our students, our local communities and our global community.
Department of Business Administration
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE
Professor

Michael O. Quantz, DMA

Department of Music
Associate Professor of Music
Read More

Michael O. Quantz, DMA

The best teaching always entails more than the knowledge of facts, it engages everyone involved in the process of discovery and reasoning through challenges. These are immensely valuable elements of strong individual character and human progress which can produce leadership in science, industry, art and society. Those qualities also serve as a shield against the fearful and violent forces that would limit the very freedom to pursue and share knowledge. The best teaching passes on what is honorable in us to both equip and inspire future generations.
Department of Music
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE
Associate Professor of Music

2009

Stephanie Alvarez, Ph. D.

Department of Modern Languages and Literature
Assistant Professor
Read More

Stephanie Alvarez, Ph. D.

Department of Modern Languages and Literature
College of Arts & Humanities
Assistant Professor

Bimal K. Banik, Ph.D. C .Chem. F.R.S.C.

Department of Chemistry
College of Science & Mathematics
Read More

Bimal K. Banik, Ph.D. C .Chem. F.R.S.C.

Department of Chemistry
President’s Endowed Professor (Science & Engineering) and Professor of Chemistry
College of Science & Mathematics

Deborah L. Cole, Ph.D.

Department of English
Associate Professor
Read More

Deborah L. Cole, Ph.D.

“Whenever I am asked, ‘How do you like your job?’ my first and honest response is, ‘I love my students!’ Their genuine curiosity about other languages and cultures and the diversity of their own voices inspire me to create a learning environment where they feel comfortable and confident participating in scholarly conversations. When I treat my students like linguists, anthropologists, and teachers, they respond with excellence, engagement, and professionalism.”
Department of English
College of Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor

Robert A. Freeman, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Professor
Read More

Robert A. Freeman, Ph.D.

"I believe one should focus on developing an effective classroom environment. This means first and foremost to come to class prepared (and on time). This requires a well-developed understanding of the desired student learning outcomes for the course and a thorough understanding of the knowledge associated with those outcomes, and the ability to present that knowledge in a number of different modes. In other words, create a knowledge-centered and learner-centered environment. Beyond those two attributes, and as professed by the National Academy sponsored study on How People Learn, strive to create a community-centered and assessment-centered environment. I try to address the community aspect by engaging students in the classroom dialog, by encouraging collaboration, and by including group assignments. The assessment aspect is tougher to deal with in light of the time required to provide immediate formative assessment. However, at a minimum one should provide immediate feedback via detailed solution keys to assignments and exams made available the moment those articles are due. Finally, never forget what it is like to be the student."
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering & Computer Science
Professor

Kimberly A. Selber, Ph.D.

Department of Communication
Assistant Professor
Read More

Kimberly A. Selber, Ph.D.

"I believe that teaching that takes place outside of the formal classroom is sometimes more valuable than that which happens within a formal structure. I don’t see my responsibilities ending at the classroom door, nor do I see them ending at graduation."
Department of Communication
College of Arts & Humanities
Assistant Professor

Constantine M. Tarawneh, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor
Read More

Constantine M. Tarawneh, Ph.D.

"My teaching philosophy is based on the premise that good teaching starts with discipline. I am a strong believer that the first two things the students should learn are discipline and commitment before they can excel in their area. If you can get the students to invest time and effort into your course then they will be much more likely to succeed."
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering & Computer Science
Associate Professor

Ruth A. Keitz, Ph.D.

Department of Fine Arts
Senior Lecturer
Read More

Ruth A. Keitz, Ph.D.

Department of Fine Arts
UT BROWNSVILLE
Senior Lecturer

Luis A. Sanchez

Department of Mathematics
Lecturer
Read More

Luis A. Sanchez

"My teaching experience has run the gamut from teaching high school students, college students and even retired veterans. Every time I teach a class, I find new ways to convey mathematics concepts and ideas. I have strived to create and supplement the traditional lectures with online materials and online assessments to improve student's learning outcomes."
Department of Mathematics
UT BROWNSVILLE
Lecturer

Susan Hart

Department of Kinesiology
Associate Professor Close
Read More

Susan Hart

"All good coaches know that all the practice in the world can't take the place of actual game-time experience in the development of an athlete. This is nonetheless true for students pursuing academic success. Providing students with physical experiences, in the form of scientific research endeavors or service learning projects, is the stuff that makes what you're teaching seem important, makes concepts come alive, and fosters creative and independent thinking."
Department of Kinesiology
UT BROWNSVILLE
Associate Professor Close

Manuel F. Medrano

Department of History
History Professor
Read More

Manuel F. Medrano

"Throughout most of my life, my family at home and my family at the university have provided solid foundations for who I am and what I do. Never do I believe that my professional journey to this place at this time could have been achieved without their inspiration and never do I take them for granted."
Department of History
UT BROWNSVILLE
History Professor

James W. Mills

Department of History
Read More

James W. Mills

"Education, above all else, should be a fun, pleasant, and rewarding experience. Enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter are contagious. Active learning is key to promoting the educational process."
Department of History
UT BROWNSVILLE

Jump to Top

UTRGV

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • CARES, CRRSAA and ARP Reporting
  • Site Policies
  • Contact UTRGV
  • Required Links
  • Fraud Reporting
  • Senate Bill 18 Reporting
  • UTRGV Careers
  • Clery Act Reports
  • Web Accessibility
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • Reporting Sexual Misconduct